Coloured contact lenses are a straightforward way to change your eye colour without making any permanent changes. Whether you want something subtle for everyday wear or a dramatic shift for a costume or event, there are plenty of options available. But in Canada, the rules around buying them are stricter than many people expect.
Health Canada regulates decorative contact lenses as Class II medical devices. This means any coloured lens sold in Canada, whether it corrects vision or not, must be licensed by Health Canada before it can be sold legally. That classification has practical consequences for how you buy them, and skipping the proper process carries real risks for your eyes.
Do You Need a Prescription for Coloured Contacts in Canada?
Yes. In Canada, coloured contacts are treated as medical devices. Whether they provide vision correction or are purely cosmetic, a valid prescription is required to purchase them legally.
This applies even if you have perfect vision and are only buying lenses for a costume or special occasion. The prescription requirement exists because contact lenses sit directly on the cornea, and a poor fit can cause serious problems regardless of whether the lens corrects vision or not. An optometrist measures the base curve and diameter of your eye to confirm the lens will fit correctly. No two eyes are exactly alike, and a one-size-fits-all approach to contact lenses is one of the most common sources of lens-related injury.
What Does 0.00 Mean on Coloured Contacts?
A power reading of 0.00 on a coloured contact lens means the lens has no vision correction. It changes the appearance of your eye but does nothing to improve or alter how clearly you see. These are sometimes called plano lenses.
If you need vision correction, you still have options. Prescription coloured contact lenses are available in a wide range of powers and colours, so you do not have to choose between clear vision and a different look. Your optometrist can include the coloured lens option as part of your contact lens fitting.
Are Non-Prescription Coloured Contacts Safe?
Health Canada classifies coloured contact lenses as medical devices, and properly licensed lenses are considered as safe as regular contact lenses. That said, there are still risks to be aware of when wearing any type of contact lens.
The risks increase significantly with unregulated or unlicensed lenses. All types of contact lenses, including decorative lenses, pose health risks including cuts or scratches to the top layer of the eyeball, allergic reactions, and eye infections. Risks are higher for smokers and people with certain health conditions such as dry eyes.
Lenses purchased from unverified sources are particularly problematic. They are frequently manufactured without proper oxygen transmissibility standards and may not fit the eye correctly, which can restrict airflow to the cornea and cause damage over time.
How to Wear Coloured Contacts Safely
Wearing coloured lenses safely comes down to consistent habits. The same rules that apply to regular contact lenses apply here.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any contact lens
- Follow the replacement schedule specified on the packaging
- Never share contact lenses with another person
- Store reusable lenses in fresh solution and replace the case regularly
- Remove lenses immediately if you experience redness, pain, or blurred vision
- Never sleep in lenses unless they are specifically approved for overnight wear
The most important step you can take to minimise risk is to have your contact lenses prescribed and fitted by a qualified eye care professional, and to attend regular follow-up appointments.
Where to Buy Coloured Contacts in Canada
Since coloured contacts are regulated as medical devices, where you buy them matters. Purchasing from unlicensed vendors puts you at risk of receiving lenses that have not been tested for safety or manufactured to any regulated standard.
Reliable places to purchase coloured contacts in Canada include your optometrist’s office, licensed optical retailers, and verified online retailers that require a valid prescription before processing an order. Selling unlicensed contact lenses in Canada is illegal, and Health Canada conducts market surveillance and can take enforcement action including product recalls and seizures against non-compliant sellers.
A legitimate retailer will always ask for your prescription, list the lens material and replacement schedule clearly, and carry products with a valid Health Canada medical device licence number.
What to Look for When Buying Coloured Contacts Online
Buying coloured contacts online is convenient, but it requires some care. Before placing an order, check that the retailer asks for a prescription, lists the lens power, base curve, and diameter, and provides clear product information including the manufacturer and licence details.
Avoid any seller that claims no prescription is needed, does not list safety or material information, or sells lenses in unmarked packaging. These are signs the product may not meet Canadian regulatory standards. When in doubt, your optometrist can point you toward verified retailers that carry Health Canada licensed lenses.
References
Health Canada. Notice: Decorative Contact Lenses. Canada.ca. 2016.
Health Canada. Health Canada Reminds Canadians of the Risks of Decorative Contact Lenses. Canada.ca. 2018.
Health Canada. Contact Lenses. Canada.ca. 2024.
Orchard Park Optometry. Can I Get a Prescription for Coloured Contacts? OrchardParkOptometry.com. 2025.
Red Deer Eye Care Centre. Are Coloured Contacts Safe? What to Know Before You Buy. RedDeerEyeCare.com. 2021.
